Synopsis

Blow OutBrian De Palma's homage to Michelangelo Antonioni's classic art movie Blow-Up (1966) blends suspense and political paranoia when a Philadelphia soundman inadvertently records a murder. Former police technician Jack Terri (John Travolta) makes his living doing sound for slasher flicks. While recording new outdoor effects one night, Jack witnesses a couple's car careen off a bridge into a river, but he can save only the female occupant, Sally (Nancy Allen). Jack begins to suspect something when he learns that her dead companion was a Presidential hopeful. Re-playing his tape over and over, Jack thinks that he hears a gun shot before the crash-causing tire blow-out. When sleazy photographer Manny Karp (Dennis Franz) comes forward with photos of the accident, Jack discovers the real reason that the naïve Sally was in the car -- and also a way to prove his auditory suspicions through motion pictures. Even with all his surveillance talent, however, Jack cannot see (or hear) how dangerous the big picture really is until it's too late. Taking a break from horror films, De Palma turned his interests in technology and voyeurism toward more politically loaded subject matter at the dawn of the Reagan era; the film's red, white and blue mise-en-scène, "Liberty Day" celebration climax, and conspiracy surrounding political "dirty tricks" suggest that American politics are still rotten, seven years after Watergate. Although Blow Out earned some favorable notice, particularly for Travolta's first "adult" performance, De Palma's downbeat film did not go over well with 1981 summer audiences. Rather than blockbuster escapism, Blow Out instead harks back to 1970s political thrillers like The Parallax View (1974), using cinematic fireworks to tell an unsettling story about one man's struggle against unstoppable corruption. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi

Overall Customer Rating

An all-around spectacular release

April 17, 2013

Criterion titles may be pricey but this one is certainly worth. DePalma is at the top of his game with a tight thriller that has a fantastic cast including Travolta, Allen, and Lithgow. The transfer retains a layer of grain and could've probably been a bit sharper but the bonus content more than makes up for it. Definitely worth checking out!

A movie to the senses.

June 30, 2012

A movie of sensation and political conspiracy, Travolta and Allen reteam since the late '70's 'Carrie' in contrasting characters set to save each other and reveal and unfolding political assassination in their prescence.
Additions of John Lithgow and Denis Franz are nostalgic early shots.
The movie in 1980's Philadelphia is a trip to watch and the movements are great. The ending may shock or disappoint, but fans of the listed actors and directors will enjoy. Movie with extras a bit overpriced.

De Palma will blow you up

November 13, 2008

solid update of the classic "Blow Up" by De Palma. Travolta does David Hemmings proud but the film quite is different from the 1966 movie due to this being a North American production. there's an intimidating atmosphere to the proceedings and beware of the violent edge given to the film. kinda reminds me of how De Palma brought "Psycho" into the murky early 80s w/the vicious "Dressed To Kill

An all-around spectacular release
Posted by: Hallowken78 from: Cherry Hill, NJ on Criterion titles may be pricey but this one is certainly worth. DePalma is at the top of his game with a tight thriller that has a fantastic cast including Travolta, Allen, and Lithgow. The transfer retains a layer of grain and could've probably been a bit sharper but the bonus content more than makes up for it. Definitely worth checking out!

1 out of 1 found this review helpful.

4

De Palma will blow you up
Posted by: Rush2112 from: Massena, NY on solid update of the classic "Blow Up" by De Palma. Travolta does David Hemmings proud but the film quite is different from the 1966 movie due to this being a North American production. there's an intimidating atmosphere to the proceedings and beware of the violent edge given to the film. kinda reminds me of how De Palma brought "Psycho" into the murky early 80s w/the vicious "Dressed To Kill

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

4

A movie to the senses.
Posted by: Tigon from: California on A movie of sensation and political conspiracy, Travolta and Allen reteam since the late '70's 'Carrie' in contrasting characters set to save each other and reveal and unfolding political assassination in their prescence.
Additions of John Lithgow and Denis Franz are nostalgic early shots.
The movie in 1980's Philadelphia is a trip to watch and the movements are great. The ending may shock or disappoint, but fans of the listed actors and directors will enjoy. Movie with extras a bit overpriced.

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

I love Criterion!
Posted by: Chad from: on They do great work with classic movies. This De Palma film has never looked better!

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

Marvellous
Posted by: Filmguru from: on Filmmaking at it's best! Brian De Palma at his height!

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

Total classic
Posted by: Bmoz from: on Criterion did a great job yet again! One of the best psychological thrillers out there!